Lynwood Experiences Increase in Car Thefts

Car thefts in Lynwood on the rise and representative of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has issued warnings to both residents and local elected officials.

During last week’s Lynwood City Council Meeting, Lieutenant Ernie Chavez of the Century Sheriff’s Station stated that in the days between the 30^th of September the 13^th of October, there was an approximate total of 10 car thefts within a section of southeast Lynwood.

According to a city issued press release, car thefts are on the rise at the national level, and so far 356 automobiles have been stolen in Lynwood, in comparison to to the 320 that were reported last year.

A current problem that the LASD Century station has been facing is the trend of people not reporting the theft of their vehicle.

“That’s really important,” said Lt. Chavez. “Some people won’t report it, but we need to know when a vehicle is stolen.”

That being said, the LASD Century station has several tips help car owners limit the risk of having their vehicles stolen.

Below is the exact list from the press-release:

-       Lock your cars. Never leave your car unlocked or the windows cracked.

-       Don’t leave money in your vehicle that’s visible from the outside.

-       Do not leave any personal property lying on the seat of the vehicle.

-       Do not leave your GPS, laptop, Ipad, Ipod or purse/wallet in your vehicle.

-       Park in a well-lit, well traveled highly visible area.

-       Keep your garage door remote out of plain view.

-       Never leave vehicles running or with the keys in the ignition.

-       Do not hide a spare key in or on the vehicle.

“What we’re asking people, is to not make things easier for car thieves” said Lt. Chavez. “Make it harder for them to steal your car.”

Residents should also report any suspicious activity, especially between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Below is a list of Lynwood areas that have been hit during this recent wave:

- The area between Atlantic Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. (east/west)

-The area between Glenn Anderson (105) Freeway and Orchard Street/McMillan Street (north/south).

In the citywide press release, Lt. Chavez stated that he does not want residents to worry, but wants them to becareful and to remember to lock their vehicles.

Any suspicious activity should also be reported to the LASD at (323) 568-4800.

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